Geotechnical Engineering Seminar

Moving from the past to the future with the Fort Street Bascule Bridge

The Fort Street Bridge was technologically and historically significant infrastructure project in the history of Detroit and one of the most important movable bridges in the State of Michigan. The presentation looks back thru history, starting at the industrialization and growth of Detroit and the history of structures at the crossing, extending through the growing pains of the city, to the end of the life of the bridge. We also discuss the movement of the bridge, both intentional and unintentional, and design of the new replacement structure. The geotechnical design needed to account for poor global stability conditions, soft clays and artesian ground water.